There is definitely a largely unreported scenario developing in the downtown core, one which sees repeat instances of bold and unrestricted entry into many businesses by thieves or those with mental health issues, and which threatens those (often quite young) employees who work in those businesses.

My daughter works downtown in an large, successful restaurant on the Gov't St tourist crawl, and they deal with aggressive entry into their restaurant by troublemakers and the mentally ill, interlopers who fear nothing, and fear no one - this on a daily basis.

There is simply no disputing that the developing and seemingly overarching COV policy position that quite clearly indicates an intent to shift basic law enforcement and security for downtown business from the Victoria Police Department over to the business owner/operator.
It's an almost unbelievable scenario, one which might ask why there isn't a very strong and very public DVBA protest against what can only be seen as a City and its Police Department intentionally abrogating their legislated responsibility to serve and protect.

It’s quite something to see all the breaks-ins, walk-ins, blatant theft and general ******y that takes place in downtown restaurants and bars over on the Victoria hospitality FB group. Never saw anything like that when I worked downtown, which I did for many years. Always worked nights, too!

The victim drove to the 7-Eleven with a baseball bat and, after speaking with an employee, confronted several people sitting in a vehicle in the parking lot, the press release said. The vehicle fled with the victim in close pursuit.

The victim told police the two suspects were dropped off nearby, to where an RCMP police dog service team was dispatched and located several pieces of clothing discarded by the suspects, according to the press release. The suspects and the vehicle, however, were not located.

Approaching the suspects in a car, Tyler Fraser-Biscoe says he then demanded his credit card until the vehicle’s passengers forced the driver at knifepoint to flee. This led to a chase involving Nanaimo RCMP, who were ultimately unable to capture the suspects and released photos of them on Friday.

not sure where the capital got the additional information. including the victim's name.

On Friday, January 17th, 2020, Patrol officers spotted a suspicious vehicle parked at a multi-unit short-term rental building in the 100-block of Gorge Road East. When officers queried the plates on the vehicle, they came back as reported stolen. As officers observed the vehicle, a man returned to it and was taken into custody. Officers searched the man and discovered stolen property including credit cards, as well as weapons and drugs packaged for sale. Further investigation revealed that the vehicle too was stolen.

Recovered items led officers to connect the man to a break and enter and theft which occurred at a multi-unit residential building in the 400-block of Quebec Street on January 11th.

The man, who has past several convictions for property offences, faces recommended charges for drug possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of stolen credit cards, as well as breaking and entering. He was held in custody. This investigation remains on-going.

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The two girls met up at Yates and Blanshard and walked into the liquor store together. A man started accosting them, and eventually pulled out a crowbar. I don’t know if it was near the entrance to the store or inside. They ran and dialled 911. Police were able to apprehend him.

This happened at 4ish I think.

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At tent city, there were plenty of helpful activists working hard to make sure the gang's trade wasn't interupted, but it was done under the pretext that any police presence was harrassment of the vulnerable. Very convenient if you're a dealer, I guess.

Victoria, BC – A Victoria man is in custody after being arrested in an incident involving an animal in Victoria’s Oaklands neighbourhood today.

Patrol officers were called to a multi-unit residential building in the 1300-block of Hillside Avenue at approximately 4 p.m. for a report of an incident between a man and a dog. When officers arrived, they discovered that the man had fled the scene and had gone into a suite in the building. Officers discovered the dog deceased.

Patrol officers, as well as Saanich Police Department K9 and VicPD K9 officers responded to the scene.

The man refused to leave the suite and the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team (GVERT), including Crisis Negotiators, were deployed. Residents of neighbouring suites were evacuated out of an abundance of caution. Attempts were made to negotiate with the man, but he was not cooperative.

Just before 7 p.m. the man exited the suite, but refused to comply with officers’ directions. ARWEN less-lethal projectiles were deployed and the man was then taken into custody without further incident. He was transported to hospital by B.C. Emergency Health Services paramedics and Patrol officers for evaluation.

No charges have been sworn as this file is in the early stages of investigation.

If you have information about this file and have not yet spoken to officers, please call our non-emergency line at (250) 995-7654.

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Mail theft is step #1 in identity theft, which is not a crime of opportunity but part of a sophisticated and elaborate long-term effort that can have global implications and often global connections/leadership. It is really troubling that we're having to deal with this style of theft. It's extremely invasive and can put people into difficult situations.

Makes you wonder how often this happens, and if it's a known issue/has been a known issue for some time. Maybe if you catch your carrier next time, Boss, ask him/her if this is a common issue in our region.

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On January 20th 2019, at approximately 11:30pm the West Shore RCMP responded to a report of a single vehicle collision near the 3100 block of Humpback Road in Langford.

Police attended the scene and located a deceased male inside the vehicle. Foul play is suspected and this death is being investigated as a homicide. The Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit is leading this investigation. The West Shore RCMP and VIIMCU are currently gathering evidence. No suspects have been arrested in connection to this homicide.

The investigation is in its very early stages. Police will not be releasing the name of the victim at this time. Investigators are seeking witnesses who may have been in the area of the 3100 block of Humpback Rd between the hours of 9pm and midnight on January 20th to come forward and speak to police. Investigators will be in the area canvassing the neighbourhood. The public is asked to review any home security video surveillance and vehicle dash camera that may have captured suspicious activity, said Cst. Nancy Saggar, West Shore RCMP Media Relations Officer.

If you have information regarding this homicide please call the Vancouver Island Integrated Major Crime Unit information line at 250-380-6211.

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